The iPhone 18 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra suit different priorities: Apple’s phone pairs a variable-aperture main camera with its ecosystem, while Samsung’s offers an S Pen, Privacy Display and more customization. Both have 6.9-inch displays. Apple rates the iPhone for up to 45 hours of video playback; Samsung rates the Galaxy for 31 hours.
Two phones, different priorities
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is the more natural fit if you want Apple’s ecosystem and a main camera with a variable aperture—the opening that controls how much light reaches the sensor. The Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out for its built-in S Pen, configurable Privacy Display and One UI customization.
Those are meaningful differences, not a universal verdict. Your preferred software and the features you’ll use day to day matter more than a single overall ranking.
Display, battery and charging
Both phones have a 6.9-inch display. Apple specifies a 2,868 × 1,320-pixel Super Retina XDR display with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. Samsung lists the Galaxy’s built-in Privacy Display, which can be configured to limit what people beside you can see on screen.
For video playback, Apple rates the iPhone 18 Pro Max for up to 45 hours, while Samsung rates the Galaxy S26 Ultra for 31 hours. These are the manufacturers’ separate ratings, not results from a shared test.
A comparison published September 22, 2026, reported that after 15 minutes of charging the iPhone had reached 50% and the Galaxy 41%. The comparison did not state the test date. Apple separately says the iPhone can reach about 50% in around 15 minutes with a USB-C cable and a 60W-capable adapter or higher that supports Adjustable Voltage Supply; the adapter is sold separately. Samsung says the Galaxy can reach up to 75% in about 30 minutes.
Cameras, weight and built-in features
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has three 48MP rear cameras: a main camera with variable aperture, an ultra-wide camera and a 4x telephoto camera. The Galaxy S26 Ultra combines a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, a 50MP 5x telephoto camera and a 10MP 3x telephoto camera. Those configurations offer different focal-length options; megapixel counts alone don’t determine which phone takes better photos.
The listed weights may matter if you hold your phone for long stretches: Apple lists the iPhone at 249g, while Samsung lists the Galaxy at 214g. The iPhone is also listed at 8.75mm thick and the Galaxy at 7.9mm.
| Feature | iPhone 18 Pro Max | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
| Display diagonal | 6.9 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Manufacturer-rated video playback | Up to 45 hours | 31 hours |
| Listed weight | 249g | 214g |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main with variable aperture; 48MP ultra-wide; 48MP 4x telephoto | 200MP main; 50MP ultra-wide; 50MP 5x telephoto; 10MP 3x telephoto |
| Distinctive features | Apple ecosystem integration; variable-aperture main camera | Built-in S Pen; Privacy Display; One UI customization |
Which phone fits your priorities?
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro Max if you want Apple ecosystem integration, a variable-aperture main camera or the longer video-playback rating listed by its manufacturer. Its 249g listed weight is also worth considering if you prefer a lighter phone.
Choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra if you want an S Pen built into the phone, a Privacy Display or more customization through One UI. At 214g, it is the lighter of these two models, and its separate 3x and 5x telephoto cameras provide two dedicated zoom options.
